Embark on a 27-day geographical odyssey through the Northern Sea Route/Northeast Passage from Anadyr to Murmansk for an experience of a lifetime. Aboard the Akademik Shokalskiy, learn about the development of the commercial shipping route connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. First transited in 1878-1880 by a Swedish explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskiold, this seaway was proven to be navigable, albeit with some difficulty. Join this expedition of tracing the route of the legendary explorer, navigate narrow fjords, search for unique wildlife, glimpse into the past and experience the warmth of Arctic hospitality in local villages.
Highlights
Be part of a history-making expedition through the Northern Sea Route
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Arrive in Anadyr and join the Akademik Shokalskiy for a 27-day cruise. In this evening, there are excellent chances to spot beluga whales as you sail out of the Anadyr. Estuary.
Please note: For those departing from Nome, Alaska, your adventure begins with a flight across the Bering Sea to Anadyr, the capital of Chukotka.
Enjoy wildlife watching as you cross the Gulf of Anadyr. This afternoon, explore the magnificent coastal cliffs of Preobrazhnaya Bay by Zodiac, home to an abundance of seabirds including Brunnich’s guillemot, crested and parakeet auklets plus tufted and horned puffins.
Whale Bone Alley on Yttygran Island is one of the most significant and intriguing archaeological sites in the Arctic. The waters nearby remain rich feeding grounds for whales. Weather permitting, Zodiac cruise and search for gray whales and walrus. In this afternoon, visit the Gil’mimyl Hot Springs, sandhill cranes usually breed in the area.
Arrive at Cape Deshnev this morning. Enjoy wildlife viewing for flocks of king, common and spectacled eiders passing south. In this afternoon, enjoy the hospitality of the local people in the village of Uelen who are predominantly Chukchi. The visit will include an entertaining cultural performance, the famous bone-carving studio and the museum.
On this day, land on Kolyuchin Island. Although you will be visiting after the peak of the breeding season, there should still be large numbers of tufted and horned puffins, Brunnich’s and common guillemots and black-legged kittiwakes. There may also be an opportunity to Zodiac cruise around the base of the cliffs where there are excellent photographic opportunities. Humpback and bowhead whales have been seen in this area previously.
Wrangel Island is a Federal Nature Reserve and World Heritage Site of international significance. It is a major polar bear denning area and one of the few areas of the Arctic to not be glaciated during recent glacial episodes. It is sometimes referred to as a polar bear maternity ward on account of the large numbers of cubs born here. There are numerous other Arctic species which you will be looking for including musk ox, Arctic fox, snow geese and the snowy owls which breed here annually. The diversity of tundra flora is exceptional and during walks ashore we should see the last flowers of summer.
This sea is defined by the Novosibirskie Islands in the west and Wrangel Island to the east. Along its southern shores, there are three of Siberia’s major rivers, the Indigirka, Alazaya and the Kolyma. Lookout for walrus and bowhead whales.
The Chukchi people that call this island home are reindeer herders and hunters. Enjoy the warm hospitality of the local people as you learn about how life is on this remote island.
On this day, explore the little known and seldom visited Medvezhyi Islands, an archipelago of five granitic islands. The islands have a sizeable population of polar bears which den on these shores over winter. A landing on the island of Chetyrekhstolbovoy offers the opportunity to hike to the unusual rock ‘pillows’ which the island is named after. On Pushkareva Island, investigate the old lighthouse or enjoy the Arctic flowers that cover the expansive tundra during the brief summer.
It was in this sea that the Jeanette, captained by George Washington De Long, became stuck fast and was crushed by ice in 1879. Wreckage from the Jeanette found in Greenland in 1884 gave Nansen the idea for the now-famous 1893-96 Fram Expedition drifting across the Arctic Ocean.
Day 13-14: Noviye Sebirskiye (New Siberian Islands)
These islands which consist of three major groups – Southern, Central (Anzhu) and Northern (De Long), mark the border between the Laptev and East Siberian Seas. Spend three days of exploring in this remarkable yet seldom visited archipelago. Conditions permitting, have the opportunity to visit all three island groups, each with their unique geology and landscapes.
This sea is bounded by the Taymyr Peninsula, the Severnaya Islands in the west and the Novosibirskie Islands in the east. Explore the Taymyr Peninsula, Laptev sea walrus are only found in this area and be on the lookout for haul-outs to photograph this unique and quite isolated population of walrus. There is a musk ox resident in this area and you may spot the poorly known Taymyr form of the herring gull.
The Severnaya Zemlya Islands are on the border of the Kara and Laptev Seas, extension of the Taymyr Peninsula. These islands were not discovered until 1914-1915 when Russian explorer Vilkitski charted them. The three largest islands are heavily glaciated with deep fjords and majestic tidewater glaciers that are regularly calving icebergs. An aim to visit a colony of ivory gulls is included in these days.
Lying between Novaya Zemlaya, Franz Josef Land and the Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago, Kara Sea is generally considered to be the coldest sea in Russia. Ostrov Vize is along the route to Franz Josef Land, you will look to make a landing on the island, conditions permitting.
This huge archipelago of 192 islands located only 10 degrees from the North Pole offers numerous locations for exploration. Its position close to the permanent ice of the Arctic Ocean yet accessible to the rich waters of the Atlantic gifts these waters an unusual diversity and abundance of marine life. The islands have a fascinating and rich record of exploration, scientific research, and habitation. Landings planned include Cape Triest on Alger Island where the famous ‘Devil’s Marbles’ (spherical geodes) dot the landscape; Cape Flora on Northbrook Island where the remains of three historic expeditions are found in proximity; and Tikhaya Bay on Hooker Island where the numbers of guillemots and kittiwakes on the remarkable columnar cliffs of Rubini Rock are unforgettable. A plan to visit the Cape Tegetthoff is also included. Keep a close lookout to a very healthy population of polar bears living among the archipelago. There are good chances to spot beluga, bowhead whales and narwhal.
The Barents Sea was named in honor of Dutch seafarer and navigator, Willem Barents, who explored this region on expeditions in 1594 and 1596. As you move southwards, opportunities for spotting humpback whales and harp seals that feed in these waters increase.
Day 27: Murmansk | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Murmansk is home to Russia’s icebreaker fleet and featured as a strategically important port throughout the history of Russia. Disembark the ship in Murmansk. Transfers to the airport or central hotels are provided.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$21,900
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Main Deck
Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.
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Superior
One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
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Superior Plus
Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
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Mini Suite
Separate bedroom with a double bed and a sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Mini Suites have windows.
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Heritage Suite
Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed and a sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows allow great views.
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Main Deck Triple
One bunk (one upper abd ibe lower berth) and one additional lower berth, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.
Notes
- Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The single supplement is 1.8 times the price of the voyage with the exception of the suites which are double the single rate.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.